Coach not being returned for season raises questions in Washington Township

Kim Kanavel Wurzelbacher was not certain she wanted to volunteer to coach Washington Township girls softball this year. After her daughters, parents and girls that would be on the team, told her how much they wanted her to coach, she made the decision to continue to coach.

Feb. 26, she was told by a member of the Washington Township Girl’s Softball League that she was not going to be selected as a coach for girls softball.

Kim Wurzelbacher and two daughters in 2009

Initially it was stated that Wurzelbacher was not being given a return spot at coaching because she was a “bad role model.” Toledo Free Press spoke to Todd Burgy, commissioner and head of rules and protests on Feb. 27, who said it had nothing to with with that. “It’s issues she’s had with other coaches and board members, this is still being discussed, but at this point she’s not coaching,” Burgy said.

“There’s a process she can go through to appeal the decision,” Burgy said. “It’s not about actions that took place on the field.”

Burgy said that Dan Drummond, assistant commissioner would have more details. Drummond said on Feb. 27, “Bad role model is not the reason. It’s my opinion she’s been a very good coach.” He did not want to share any specific reasons why Wurzelbacher was not being given a coaching spot beyond stating the league was trying to get away from a “win at all costs” mentality.

“The appeal process is up for debate, this is an organizer decision, the organizer decided,” Drummond said. “We appoint coaches yearly, can it be appealed? Don’t know.” He said the appeal process typically revolves around rules or calls that can be protested.

There is a board meeting scheduled for March 2, Drummond said this issue was not on the agenda but he expected it to be discussed as far as could Wurzelbacher protest. The meeting is not open to parents or the public, Drummond said.

“She (Wurzelbacher) needs to call our head organizer, rather than doing that, she’s been organizing parents,” Drummond said. ”I told our head organizer to call me if she heard from her.”

Wurzelbacher said she did speak with the head organizer, Angel Wuest, the morning of Feb. 27. No official reason has been given to her beyond Rule 1.7 being cited. According to the Washington Township Girl’s Softball League, Rule 1.7:

All coaches are assigned the responsibility of being positive role models for the players. Conduct unbecoming a coach shall be cause for dismissal from this league. Review of such behavior shall be the responsibility of the Rules and Protest Chairperson or Committee and their decision is final.

The questioning of behavior cited as an initial reason was an issue for her since she is a pre-school teacher but she was also concerned about the lack of process.

“I got a phone call from a girl that just took over the league, ‘sorry to give you bad news but you are banned from coaching this year’,” Wurzelbacher said. “I called Angel and left a message, called the old organizer (Don Smay), who told me ‘yep, she told you what she was supposed to’.”

“There has to be something set up, you are creating these rules, but not enforcing them, if it was that bad that I’m banned from coaching, now you come to this decision three days before sign ups,” said Wurzelbacher.

“I have my own rule book, in addition to the league’s rule book, if they talk smack about other teammates they are benched,” she said. “The thing they are picking is not even true, I have these things in black and white, winning is not what’s most important, it’s how you play the game.”

“There are coaches that smoke on the field, that cuss, being banned for something like this,” said Wurzelbacher. “I have coached these girls since first grade, they are now in sixth grade.”

She said she was also told that if she goes to any of the softball games, even ones her daughters are playing in, if she makes a comment or goes anywhere near the field they could make that team forfeit. “Even if I tell my own kids, ‘good play’ they could do this,” Wurzelbacher said.

She said she was told Wuest was going to be coaching her team, Wuest told Toledo Free Press on Feb. 27 that there had been no decision yet that she was aware of as to who would coach. “I’m not sure if I want to talk to you, I’m borderline considering going after him (Michael Kurdys) for harassment, he’s twisting things,” Wuest said. “I don’t think I want to have this conversation.”

Michael Kurdys is a parent of a child who has been coached by Wurzelbacher the past three years. He has been organizing parents and supporters on Facebook to protest the decision by Washington Township Girl’s Softball League. Kurdys and his wife Cindy, stated neither of them had made comments to Wuest that could be viewed as harassment and both took issue with the lack of parental communication and Wurzelbacher being viewed as having a win at all costs mentality.

“We came in 8th place last year, sometimes after a loss the girls cry, the first thing that Kim says, ‘Did everyone have fun, than it doesn’t matter what the score is’,” Kurdys said. “She compliments and congratulates the other team players consistently when they make a good play.”

“She is an excellent role model for young girls to learn from, we had no say in this decision. I would not allow my daughter to be around someone that I didn’t feel added something positive to her life,” Todd Moldenke said. His daughter has been coached by Wurzelbacher for three years as well as been her Girl Scout leader.

“She doesn’t have a win at all costs attitude, I’ve seen her pull the best pitcher out of the game because Kim insists on a smile at the huddle,” Moldenke said.

Wurzelbacher said for her it’s now a matter of principle, she is filing an appeal to protest the decision. Moldenke said ”Parents should have a voice in this, the board should be adults and settle this problem.”

Parents have been told that they will not be allowed to speak at the March 3 team sign up. The Kurdys want a response from the board on this issue.

“We plan on going on Thursday, but we don’t want to donate our registration fee because at this point, our daughter doesn’t want to play, if Kim is not her coach,” Kurdys said.

“Nothing’s broken so why fix it,” Kurdys said. “Kim never asked us to do this, we started this on our own,” Cindy said.

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61 Responses to “Coach not being returned for season raises questions in Washington Township”

Tim Smith

Seems like politics as usual, good coach, kids love her, parents support her 100% yet she is being banned? What is wrong with this country!!

This is not surpprising. ANYONE with experience in this league and board understands that this is the status quo. The board is made up of a group of friends (who are also coaches in the league and creates quite a conflict of interest) that backup and defend each other behind the scenes. Unless you are in the group, you will never get a fair shake. Wrong one of them, and the rest will gang up on you.
I find it amusing that they are going to ban her from coaching, after I complained about a coach/board member last year for smoking on site at a field in front of children (against league rules) and cursing out a parent (not from her team) who had brought up an issue with her, while that parent was on the phone with the commisioner concerning the problem.
This is not the only problem the board has had with unbiased decisions. Until they are replaced, it will not be the last.

Thank you Ms. Ward for the article, we hope this brings attention to our kids and their coach. At the end of the day we just want our daughter to be happy. Our hope is that Kim is reinstated as the coach and we can have a fun and successful season. Go Vipers!!

Kim is an excellent coach and I found this news incredibly upsetting. My daughter is in the sixth grade and I wanted nothing more than to have Kim coach her one more time so that it would get her better prepared for seventh grade and basically set the foundation for her for years to come. I feel like I’m missing something here because this decision makes no since, not only to me but to other parents and our daughters. Over the years I’ve always spoke highly of the Washington Local league and how proud I am that my children play for them, but if this decision is not overturned I will have my daughters play elsewhere.

I too would like to thank Ms. Ward for hearing all sides and getting this story out there. The parents don’t need someone to organize them, it is our right to speak up and being that this affects our children and we pay for the sports and they would not happen without our kids playing we should have the loudest voice instead of having none. This is a game, it is suppose to be fun for the kids and this board and whoever else is involved “behind the scenes” should be ashamed of themselves for letting things like this happen and then still refusing to let parents speak. Who exactly does this board work for because it surely is not the kids or us and maybe change is what we need. Vipers are not Vipers without Kim. I pray it all works our for these kids, they have been with Kim a long time and I have been watching the whole time with daughters of my own and hoping she would still be there when it was their turn. Now I am sickened and have no desire for them to play at all in this league unless change happens fast.

Oh and I had one thing to say with regards to Ms. Wuest’s comment about harassment, what is comes down to is if you are part of making a very bad decision that affects a lot of people who were purposely excluded from that process then you better be ready to deal with the consequences of that decision. This includes parents speaking their minds about something that directly affects their children and it hurtful too them.

“She said she was also told that if she goes to any of the softball games, even ones her daughters are playing in, if she makes a comment or goes anywhere near the field they could make that team forfeit. “Even if I tell my own kids, ‘good play’ they could do this,” Wurzelbacher said.”

For the record, this was never told to Kim. These restrictions on her do not exist and never have.

Thanks for your comment Dan, that is what Kim stated was told to her and from my understanding a team had forfeited a game in the past due to a parent, who was also a former coach, making a comment that was deemed by the league as being coaching.

I would like to add that Dan Drummond’s comment about Kim “organizing” the parents is flat out wrong. Kim simply told our daughter (and the other girls) on Facebook that she was not allowed to coach anymore. Once my daughter’s tears started I needed to know more. It seems that Mr. Drummond can’t grasp the concept that people who care about someone will support them WITHOUT being asked to help. This is simply a case of us as parents standing up to what we feel is wrong. I do not need to be asked to help someone in need.

I know exactly what Kim is going through. I too, along with my husband, daughter, & team, was wronged by this board last year. You can read about our ordeal on our facebook page “WTGSL COMMUNITY DISCUSSION FORUM”. We had to create this page because the board would not let us be heard otherwise. This board makes up rules as it goes and then chooses which ones to follow. We were told on more than one occasion that the board is a dictatorship & we or the parents on our team had no say. There are 5 people making decisions for 400+ girls behind closed doors without any input from the community. The WTGSL has been in existence for 20 years without any problems until these board members stepped in 2 years ago. It is a shame to see this league taken over by these few people & changing it to the way they envision it not the way the community envisions it. There is nothing wrong with competition. They are doing the girls a disservice by not letting them learn the “thrill of victory or the agony of defeat.”

Kim is an excellent role model and anyone that knows her at all knows that saying Kim has a ‘win at all costs attitude’ is ludicrous! Kim loves each and every one of her players, and they adore her. Mr. Drummond can’t speak for what was or was not told to Kim, he can only speak for what HE did or did not say. Sounds to me like there are a whole lot of ego’s on this board running around doing whatever they please with ZERO regard for the kids or the players. By making this decision the way it was made the board is not only attacking Kim, but attacking the parents right to make the decisions on what is best for their children and their team. Time for something to change on that board!

For everything Kim has done for our girls – all the time, money, sweat and everything else I’m forgetting this is the least we can do for her. We can STAND UP for her and for what is right. Something is very wrong here and it just needs to brought out in the open and fixed. This is all we are trying to do and it is the ultimate goal. GO VIPERS!!

Since Mr. Drummond has taken notice and decided to respond, ask him what has happened to the Whittier coach/board member that allowed her Juniors to use the team cheer “Win no matter what!” before and during numerous games last season? I am curious as to his response to this.

If the current WTGSL board can’t be routed. Maybe it’s time to form a new league with a legitimate board and we will see how many teams the WTGSL have left when all is said and done. Of course there won’t be room for a couple of the teams teams on the new league. Let thier actions, that are unsupported by the community come back to hunt them!

She seems to be a good person, kind of person I would want teaching my kids preschool or softball.

No wonder the parents and the coach are confused, the one league rep says “I don’t know” if it can be appealed after the other league rep said that she could appeal it. Which is it fellas??

Also, sounds to me like the board was advised by a lawyer friend/family memeber to “back off” the poor role model comments/reasons (even though that was the reason for her termination) due to a risk of a defamation of character suit against the league.

I am assuming this is a not-for profit organization, however in a quick review of their website i could not find any financial information? That, combined with the “closed door” meetings, raises some concerns about this organization. I am wondering if the IRS, the WLS school board or the city/township might be wanting to look into this organizations’s dealings and finances a little closer.

My daughters came from Trilby last year and played for kim … she made them feel as if they have played with her for years … they said she is by far the best coach they have ever had !!! Winning was never pushed on the girls as long as they had fun she said that’s all that mattered ! The twins are now not sure if they want to play again cause they wanted to go back to kims team !! They are truley upset ……

I am the aunt of 2 girls who played for kim.. I attended MANY games and saw kim in action coaching, I gave the girls rides home from the games and they had nothing but good things to say about their coach!! I thought she has done a great job teaching the girls to play, and shooting for a win but letting them know to have fun as well!! I would really like to see her come back and I know the girls do as well!

Lisa,thank you for your article.My hope is this will continue to shine a bright light on what these board members do.I am the former head coach who had his team’s win disallowed by what Commissioner’s Dan Drummond and Todd Burgy thought they saw thru a pair of binoculars.I had coached my daughters team from the third grade and last season was the girls senior high school season.

This is a letter that I wrote to the commisioner and assistant commisioner. I have not yet received a reply. I also made a formal complaint on the wtgsl website. I have not heard anything back on that yet either.

I recently found out that the woman who coaches my daughters softball team is not allowed to coach the team this year. It really disappoints me to know that the adults in the league act like children. That Kim is not allowed to coach the Vipers for their final year is absolutely ridiculous. And to know that the reason is because grown adults want to act like little kids and take a good coach away from good kids just because they have some crazy conflict with her is really sad.
It’s been said that Kim is a bad influence on the girls. She’s not. Do you know how many coaches I’ve seen with my own eyes act like fools in front of their teams? But you want to come down on Kim? It’s political garbage. And everyone knows it. You can pull whatever excuse you want from wherever you’re pulling them from, but the bottom line is that Kim’s not coaching because Staphanie and Bruce don’t like her. So my daughter should have to suffer? And the other girls that Kim has successfully coached over the years, they should suffer too? Because Kim’s not liked? It’s laughable.
Has anyone asked the girls? Has anyone taken into consideration how the girls that have played for the Vipers – for Kim – feel about it? I didn’t think so. Ask any one of the Vipers team members if Kim is a great coach. They’ll tell you she is. There are girls that want to be on the team but can’t because they don’t go to McGregor. Know why? Because they’re a great team? And do you know why they’re a great team? Because they have a great coach.
So now, my daughter, who has been looking forward to her last season as a Viper, with Kim as her coach, has decided that she doesn’t want to play if Kim can’t coach her. Kim has coached my daughter and her friends for years. Years. But because of the apparent need for constant drama, drama completely instigated by the adults in the league, my daughter along with the rest of the girls that have – once again – been on the team for years has to suffer. It’s beyond ridiculous.
This isn’t about the adults and their tantrums. This is about the girls. And what you’ve taken away from them. I hope you’re proud of yourselves. You’re setting a fantastic example for your own children

Our daughter was on a team with one of Kim’s other daughters. Kim was not the head coach, or even the assistant. She would simply lend a hand with girls that were new to softball, or maybe needed a little extra help while the head and assistant coaches worked with the other girls. When we first met her, we did not know she was the Vipers coach and our first impression was that she was just a parent helping the girls. She is a wonderful person, friend to the girls, and role model. She inspired our daughter to enjoy softball more than she ever had. She gave our daughter the confidence to reach new goals. We discovered that she wanted to pitch, and Kim worked with her to achieve that goal. When our daughter got nervous, Kim would encourage her to relax, smile, and have fun with it because it is just a game. Those are great words of encouragement. It would be a shame that a few people who have differences make the decision for the kids to miss out on the opportunity to not let Kim continue to coach them, as well as continue to be the positive role model that she truely is. By the way, I thought these programs are for the kids to have fun?!!!

I have coached a couple different sports, both for girls and boys. I wish it could be all about the kids. Let our kids have fun and play the game with the coach they want to play for. In the end, it is all about the kids, right?
I can’t understand why you want to get rid of someone that donates all their free time, and the kids enjoy their coach as well? Who is it truely hurting? That is all I ask of the WTGSL and committee.

I too am a parent of a viper. My daughter has been either a player on kim’s softball teams or a member of her girlscout troop for years. This unjust ruling by the league is a malicious attack on kim as well as an insult to us parents. Kim’s years of dedicated volunteering to be involved in our kids athletic development as well as teaching them sportsmanship, maturity, and responsibility speaks for itself. Countless facts have been sited over and over by the hundreds of people rallying in her behalf. Yet not one fact can be given for her dismissal! We as parents arent allowed to be present at board meetings nor will they speak to us as a group at signups on thursday. So basically “they” know whats best for our kids and “we” as parents must have no clue. That is simply insulting to us and slanderous to Kim.

To answer one of the above posters questions…yes the WTGSL is a non profit organization. I know this for sure as my employer has donated money to them and required proof. Obviously they have donated for the very last time if this travesty isn’t undone. I too would be very interested in this leagues failure to open meetings to the public yet they make decisions that directly impacts our children’s lives. It is obvious some of the board members are reading this as they have posted. I suggest we all try something that may sound crazy…LETS ACT LIKE ADULTS FOR OUR KIDS SAKE and open the meeting Tuesday evening for all the concerned parties to have an opportunity to voice their concerns as well as give the league the chance to present its findings and reasons in one orderly session. Isn’t this supposed to be about whats best for our kids? Do you honestly consider yourselves that much more educated in our children’s well being than we are that not only are you making these decisions but without us even having a voice. You’ve already stated you wont speak to us Thursday night so when are we supposed to ever have a say. Seems simple enough to me…

Lastly my daughters sentiments are the same as the rest of the girls. She does not want to play this year if Kim cant coach….this WTGSL Board will be destroying many 11 year old girls 6th grade year softball seasons all because someone with non elected but “appointed” powers has alterior motives and being so childish our kids are being hurt.

The support for Kim continues to come in, thanks to all that have posted so far on this article and for those yet to follow. Thanks for all the e-mails I have received, phone calls, facebook posts and texts, they are appreciated and tells me that the respect for Kim is wide spread and that there is strength in numbers. Rest assured, we will not rest until this decision is corrected and Kim is able to coach our girls this season. This is a correctable error, one that the board can reverse and make the community happy. We have stated nothing but facts to support Kim’s cause and the board members have publicly stated she is a very good coach and have backed off the poor role model comments – which was the reason she was dismissed right?? :-) I am in the process of taking further steps this evening to publicize Kim’s plight, details will follow on Facebook along with ways to further support this wonderful role model and coach. Please continue to support Kim, these next few days are critical….do not rest, continue to do all you can to let everyone know of this issue for Kim and the girls.

The Toledo Free Press has allowed both parties to state their case to this point, please be sure to support this local business (for those that know me, I had to get that in there). It is a wonderful paper!!

The Washington Township Girls Soccer League is an independent organization and is not affiliated in any way to the Washington Local School District. The Washington Local School District allows the WTGSL to utilize our tax-supported facilities, just as we allow youth baseball, football, soccer, etc. to use our facilities. We feel that giving back to youth sports progams located in our school district is part of our role as a tax-supported institution.

–Wendy Farran,
Coordinator of School Information
Washington Local Schools

If they think all the facts are being “twisted”, maybe they should just get on here and lay all the facts out. So far I just see one person from the league on this post and all he did was deny one little fact that is not even the main fact in question.

Thank you Wendy for ensuring people are aware of that! WLS has many great sports programs that are very well run. This isn’t a problem with athletics or the district, it is an issue with a power hungry few that like to cause trouble. People please continue to support WLS athletics just NOT WTGSL until this wrong is righted.

Thank you Wendy for your comments and we love WLS sports of all kinds. However, we are not talking about soccer we are talking about softball. I just want to be clear so no one is confused that there are no issues surrounding WLS soccer at this time.

IF your not in the special click that is McGregor your on the outside looking in.Stefinie n Bruce had nothing to do with this. An not all the facts have been stated in this case. No one is perfect but neither is Kim. Karma has a way of playing a role in life and now its played a role in hers.

Ok, here we go!! S.O.C.K. time!! Supporters of Coach Kim (friends, family and of course players) we are gathering at sign ups at 7:30 on Thursday in the hallway in front of the cafeteria at Jefferson.

We will either celebrate Kim’s reinstatement (and congratulate the board on their wisdom) or peacefully protest if it is bad news. Wear your Viper gear or if you dont have any wear your red and blue!! Lets support a great role model and of course OUR VIPERS!

Also, lets set a good example by showing the board how civil and respectful we are – like Coach Kim has taught us!! In particular, let the sign ups go on without interfering. Remember, IT IS ABOUT THE KIDS!! We just want our team and coach back. :-) See you Thursday!

Wendy and Melanie, thank you for clearing that up. I will be signing my daughter up for soccer then I was not sure how it all worked. Also I like the idea of starting our own league… I am with you Gordon!! I stand behind all the parents as the proud Aunt who has been to most of my nieces games and stood proud and loud as a Viper Fan. I pray that I get to do that again for this final season for her with her amazing coach. If there is any justice out there then this will all work out. Go Vipers!!

I have been to couple games, but in all instances even when they ended up losing by mercy rule the behavior of the Vipers’ coach and players was better than that of the opposing team and their coach. In this entire article there is no mention of what got her kicked out of the league. Using vague words like “getting away from a “win at all cost” mentality” is a front. My wager is anything cited word be viewed as slander, opening up the floor for lawsuits.

It is a travesty that these young girls are being shown how even with simple things, like children’ softball, get corrupted. I wish that all parties come to their senses and do the right thing.

To Keith, if you would of asked, your daughter was NOT chosen be a Viper by the coach. It was decided by the organizer. HE picked 2 girls that had to leave the team, due to too many girls that wanted to play. You have never asked, only assumed and listened to gossip. So for years, you have believed something that isnt true. Soooo for the whole karma thing, No, it isnt coming back around, it will end with the right people. Maybe you should of went right to the source.

“Cant we all just get along!!” LOL.. Having been around kids sports for many years, I am always amazed at how passionate, and emotional things get whenever there is a disagreement!! It’s great to see that parents care and want to get involved, and will put up a fight for the things they feel are important.
I have been involved in this league for years, a Head Coach for 2, and this year I am involved with the management as an Organizer. In the defense of the Board Members, who are perceived as being the decision makers, they (or any business or organization) have to be very careful about providing any information regarding a dismissal. You just cant do that, or you can put the business/organization in a situation to be sued. Only under specific circumstances does a member of the Board get involved in hiring or firing, of coaches, so my honest opinion is that it wasn’t their call. .
Although an organizer, I have no idea, nor do I expect to be informed as to why Kim was fired (she’s not in my area). I would expect it was a tough decision that was well thought out. Based on what is written here, I am guessing someone felt she was a little to aggressive in her coaching style. The league has consistently made decisions and comments in the past towards a less intense environment.
The problem could be that with the number of teams, and coaches in the league, the league or individual organizers would not have the resources to police a team if there was a concern. So decisions have to be more abrupt.
But it seems to me she was a very good coach, and that appears to be a mutual opinion. Since the Organizer for Kims area is new this year, it is possible some of the information was not availible?
In the interest of retaining a good coach, and making some little kids happy, but protecting the leagues interest/concern:

To the WTGSL Decision Maker: If we were given preferred practice scheduling (Vipers before or after mine), I would be willing to be present during her practice, and work with her to resolve the concerns you have. (if feasible) I would hope that my recent promotion is evidence that my coaching style is acceptable. By no means is this an attempt to undermine your decision, just trying to offer a possible solution.

To Coach Kim & the Vipers: I hope this dosent come across as an insult. Just trying to help.

Joe even though I appreciate the fact that you are offering “another side” to the story, I’d like to respond to several of your points.
Yes, Parents can & will become emotional & passionate when someone or something affects their child(ren) in a negative manner as well it should be.
The board does not have to be “careful” in providing information on termination to the person being terminated. What “company” fires someone without telling them what they did wrong if anything?
As an example, If I’m not mistaken the WLS board does have a say in the hiring & firing of coaches & teachers so I’m not sure your comment about typical board members having no involvment is true. (This is only an example. I am in no way saying that WLS have any involvement in this issue)
If it was such a “well thought out decision” it should have been discussed with the board first & with this being her first year as an organizer, the board should have asked for some valid reasons as to why she fealt Kim shouldn’t be a coach anymore. I find it hard to believe that it was for “over aggressiveness” or a “win at all costs mentality.” Her team finished 8th last season, not first. Obviously she didn’t berate or belittle her players for not “performing well” or they all wouldn’t be fighting to keep her as a coach.
According to Todd the termination “was not about actions that took place on the field” so she really shouldn’t need your help in resolving her inproper coaching techniques. Although it was very nice of you to offer your time to help out another coach.
I’m not trying to be cady here I just don’t want you to look at this board through rose colored glasses. They have consistently made unjust decisions without explanations and don’t seem to care who they are hurting. It’s a shame that they are destroying a league that was once the envy of the area!

Well Kim i did talk to the source at the time. An i know the fact n so do u.say as u will to make yourself feel better in the end u did me a favor n for that i thank u.do i think what happened to u is a bit extreme yes i do. but as i remember our gm last year u allowed children to use noise makers to distract or girls n to top it off u never came through the line to shake or high five the girls n that was a slap in the face n that all i have to say on the subject.

OH one more thing if this is truly about the kids why dont one of the other parents step up to the plate like kim did for all these years n be the head coach as far as i know it no one said she couldnt participate in the practices n or be at the games so put up or shut up donate your time like she did

Keith, I like you but you have no idea what is going on. We had 3 parents (Jenna’s mom and both of Trilby’s parents) step up and volunteer to coach and assistant coaches and have Kim be the helper. I have also volunteered to assist on the weekends along with Cindy. We ran this by the league originally and they said no to this. We thought it was a good compromise.

They are reviewing Kim’s status and will have a decision after signups.

Keith, our organizer, before sign-ups have you, has decided she only wants 1 team. How you can decide this when you have no idea how many girls are signing up I have no idea. So Amy was turned down. Kim at this point is not allowed to assist in anyway due to the banning. These are the facts.
Noise makers were not used to distract the other team but be supportive of the Vipers. Kim asked the fans stop and they did.
Thanks helping to bring these things to light

I am the school organizer for Greenwood Elementary. This is my second year serving in this role.
This post is primarily intended for those attending tonight’s sign ups supporting Kim and the Vipers. First… kudos to you for organizing together to support your friend and daughters. Second… please keep in mind there are two distinct groups of people who represent the WTGSL: 1) the League Board and 2) the school organizers.
The Board establishes policies which serve as the basis of the league. The Board makes all decisions impacting the league. The school organizer is primarily responsible for creating teams (after sign-ups), assigning coaches and acting as a liaison between their school and the Board. Unless a school organizer is an elected member of the Board, school organizers DO NOT attend Board Meetings and we DO NOT have a vote in any of the league decisions.
Regarding the issue at hand, my knowledge of the situation is restricted to what I read in this chain. The TFP article indicated the “Conduct Unbecoming” rule (Rule 1.7) was referenced as being the cause of Kim’s removal. As printed in the article, I believe this rule is vague and open for widely different interpretation. The rule also states that “review of such behavior shall be the responsibility of the Rules and Protest Chairperson or Committee and their decision is final”. I assume this review process took place with the respective member/committee? Having proper checks and balances in place is essential to avoid people being removed for unjust reasons.
I also believe the Board needs to be consistent in how they handle similar situations. I have personally seen (and communicated directly to the Board) several situations over the last couple of years where coaches were NOT the positive role models this rule references. These coaches are still on the sidelines today. What happens if the coaches are also organizers and/or Board Members? They are not going to dismiss themselves?!
Finally, if a decision is made to remove a coach, it is only fair to provide specific feedback to that person citing the cause for dismissal. Before it gets to that point, I would hope the school organizer has a one-on-one discussion with the coach explaining the issue at hand…and giving him/her the opportunity to rectify. If any situation does escalate to dismissal, that coach should have the option to review directly with the Board. Coaches in this league are volunteers…they don’t get paid for what they do. Volunteering to coach, in my opinion, EARNS them the right to be heard.

I too have been involved with this softball league and I would highly recommend the head coach of the Monac Maniacs be allowed to assist in any way to be able to keep Kim on as head coach. Joe Axe is a phenomenal coach and his offer to assist should be taken seriously. Truly…can’t we all just get along?

KEITH, I’m not quite sure what game you were at but the ones that I went to the Viper girls didn’t have noise makers. The crowd had noise makers and if I recall correctly the coach (Kim)did the right thing and asked them to stop out of respect for the other team. Maybe you didn’t hear it but I did and so did others. I have never seen Kim not shake the coaches hands or high five the girls of the opposing team, I even saw her hug a girl from the opposing team who had earlier been hit by a ball! I really hope Karma does come around for Kim! Then maybe she would be on the board while everyone is out on their buts where they belong for them being poor role models!

Dave well stated. All great observations and comments. Thank you!
It does make one wonder if there were any real issues why this wasn’t addressed last July when the season ended.
We have been asking the same thing for the specific reasons for the dismissal.
This has been a great outlet for all sides.
Thanks again!

I know everyone has been waiting to hear what the result of Wednesday’s WTGSL Board meeting was. (Sorry it has been a crazy few days.) Below is the e-mail exchange that took place regarding that meeting. So at this point we are still waiting.

The board would like to look past all the negative aspects of this publicity situation caused by rumors and untrue statements, and simply look at the facts. The facts are that a few parents have stated they feel they are losing a great coach and their kids are upset. For that reason alone, the board has decided to review the situation after sign ups.
Thank You,
WTGSL Board

Thank you for the update to your decision from the meeting last night. I have a few questions regarding having to wait while you review Kim’s situation.

1. What is the date when you will decide if Kim will be reinstated?

2. We have been told we can get our fee back if Kim is not coaching. Is this still true?

Thank you for quick response so the girls can make informed choices.

Cindy Kurdys

All girls who have not played in any games can get a refund
- it was my understanding that we were going to try and meet after our 2nd organizer’s meeting on March 9th, but with the snow day, I am not sure it won’t be bumped back
Thanks, Angel Wuest

Since there still seemed to be some confusion that only a “few” parents wanted Kim back we put together a “petition”, if you will, and ALL of the Viper parents signed it. This statement was at the top:

The Viper parents and girls all want Coach Kim Wurzelbacher reinstated as the coach of the Vipers. She is an excellent coach and role model – winning isn’t everything but having fun on this team is.

We also noted behind each girl’s name that we didn’t intend to return if Coach Kim wasn’t the Viper’s coach.

I hope this helps keep everyone who has been passionate about this situation up-to-date.

Well, I wanted to let everyone know that has supported me through this situation that I am not allowed to come back and coach. This is the email I received today :
The Board has discussed Ms. Wurzelbacher’s request and the parent’s petition for her to return this year as a coach for McGregor and we have decided to support the outgoing school organizer’s decision. The petition was signed by parents thinking that their coach was not being asked back due to being a bad role model, which was a false statement. The Free Press article was instigated under the same unfortunate pretense. We hope that the parents and Ms. Wurzelbacher will help the girls make this transition as smooth as possible.
WTGSL Board

I have not spoken up and now I will speak for myself. This is the only contact I have had with anyone in the league since the very beginning. I was told rule 1.7 by 3 different people. The new organizer, the old organizer, and the person that sent this email. I have asked every single one of them, what it is I did to violate that rule. Not one person has one thing. They just say that coaches have a problem with me. That’s it. Yet in this email, they are saying that it is false and not true. They are saying the article on here is false. The rule is that of being a bad role model. So as that was told to me and the email states the opposite, I still have no idea what I did that I am not allowed to coach. Did I miss it in the email? Am I not understanding it correctly? Please make this an easy transition? How, my 2 girls now do not want to play softball…so transition?? Ohhh you mean, go away quietly and nicely? All they wanted was to shut everyone up. They do not care about these girls. I am very sad and hurt. I have dedicated myself to those girls for the past 5 years, that I have had them. I have been a great role model to the girls. I have sooo many things that I want to say at the moment, but I am just sooo bitter right now, sooo I will end this with It has been my pleasure to be apart of these girls lives for the past 5 years and I love each and every one of you. (parents too…lol)…Don’t ever forget-”Keep smiling and keep moving forward.”

I have never dealt with a more dishonest people in my life. They have now made Bailey cry twice. I look forward to seeing ALL Vipers and ALL parents following Kim to a new league in either Sylvania or Toledo!! Don’t forget we get our money back from WTGSL everyone!!

I was told by the President of the league (Todd Burgy) some confidential information I would like to share with EVERYONE now.

He told me prior to this week that he 100% disagrees with the other board members and he thinks it is wrong what they are doing, he said that they are on a witchhunt. he also said the reason they want to do this is “silly and juvenile”.

He said that he thinks it is 100% wrong that the organizers can dismiss a coach and he was going to fight to change it in the future.

He also told me that OVER $10,000 was stolen from the league two years ago by prior Board members.

He is AFRAID of making these people mad because he has worked so hard to get the league “cleaned up” and if they quit he is back at square one.

ALL who coach in the WTGSL pay great attention to this situation as this can be you next. Removed with no explanation and no real reasons. I have copied part of Dave Wooley’s post from earlier and his words are have an eerie ring…..

FROM DAVE WOOLEY
“Finally, if a decision is made to remove a coach, it is only fair to provide specific feedback to that person citing the cause for dismissal. Before it gets to that point, I would hope the school organizer has a one-on-one discussion with the coach explaining the issue at hand…and giving him/her the opportunity to rectify. If any situation does escalate to dismissal, that coach should have the option to review directly with the Board. Coaches in this league are volunteers…they don’t get paid for what they do. Volunteering to coach, in my opinion, EARNS them the right to be heard.”

This is a perfect example of adults putting their needs and agenda before the kids. It is down right shameful and embarrassing. These are the ones we have chosen to be guiding our children. Oh that’s right we didn’t choose them they appointed themselves there is no one watching over them so they can do whatever they want – they have conflicts of interest by coaching and being on the board. Hmmmmm!!!!!

First of all a Big Shout Out to my brother, Mike, for such a passionate effort to undo a wrong.(And Sun Princess please don’t cry!)I am not there, so I’m not sure how this whole thing works. As stated above, who appoints the Board? Here in Florida, the board (of any sport) is made up of PARENTS, with past and present kids playing. After they are appointed..are they on the board to they die?..like the Supreme Court… Can you get the rules changed and have elections for the seats on the board? Is there a city or county department that this so called board falls under? Can you form a new team in the league and find your own sponsorship? I think it read they have like 60 teams why not one more. If parents pay for their kids to be in this league, I do believe you have a right to see where all the money goes. In above comment one year 10,000 missing! These people have their heads up their a****. IGNORANCE comes to mind !!

Michael I wouldn’t believe a word of what Todd Burgy says. Last year we had 2 board members tell us that they were on our side & felt that we were being wronged. They wet as far as saying that they were trying to get Dan & Todd removed from the board & thought that they had enough votes but it obviously never came to fruition because all the same board members are still there.

If $10,000 was stolen 2 years ago, #1 why wasn’t anyone prosecuted & #2 why haven’t more checks & balances been instated to prevent it was happening again instead of all these closed door meetings? As paying members of the league didn’t we have a right to know that this theft occured & where our money is going now?

Kim~ I am truely sorry that you & your girls are going through this. It is not an easy ordeal. We tried to warn the league coaches last year that this could happen to anyone & unfortuneatly it did. Do you know if the majority of the league coaches even know what is going on? Maybe if they all get together & refuse to coach until there are some changes made to the board and how the league is run, it would force them to listen! If need be, I am willing to step up and assume a postition to help get the league back on track. Let me know if you need anything.

WTGSL COACHES stand up & fight for what is right or this could be you & your team next year!!!!

Michael.Todd is flat out lying to you.The money was stolen by a commissioner long ago before Todd got involved.Todd is also the rules and protest chairperson which contradicts their own by-laws.He has his wife,Dan Drummond ,Dan’s wife all voting with him.He can do what he wants and he knows it.This league is a knot for profit league with a tax exempt ID number.They are required to have open meetings {which they do not},and they are also required to post a financial statement {which they never have}.It is simple math to add up all the girls and multiply by the league fee to check what is coming in.All we need is some lawyer to send over a request and force them to show financial’s for the years Todd has been in Charge.They can’t do it.They can’t even provide meeting minutes from there monthly board meetings.

Thank you Mike Tackett for stepping in and helping these girls get to play for someone that they can be happy with if they have to play without their beloved coach of 5 years. It was so wonderful of you to agree to do this and help the parents get their girls back on the field. -Kim you are a real class act and I am still so sorry you are not the one standing with them as a coach but we are still all standing 100% behind you. This has helped dry some of my nieces tears and will allow her to play a game she loves with her friends. I am so glad there are some classy people that can make something right happen, unlike the the board whose personal agendas and pettiness almost cost the league some excellent players not too mention all the support of the awesome Viper Fans!!

Thank you too to Mike and Cindy for truly showing us all how to stand up and fight for what is right and just. We may not have come out of this with what we wanted but at least a compromise was reached that everyone can live with.